Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2008-02-15 9:08 AM

User image

Extreme Veteran
552
5002525
Minnetonka, MN
Subject: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
I have the luxury of living on a trail that goes directly into my work. I have a 10-mile commute each way, and it is an old railbed, so it's flat. I want to get a year-round commuter bike, and am thinking a single-speed or fixed gear would be best with the salt and snow.

Other than the Motobecane messanger at bikesdirect.com, anyone have any other good options for me?

FWIW, I at least want a front brake, so it has to be able to have brakes installed.

Thanks

2008-02-15 9:19 AM
in reply to: #1214118

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2008-02-15 9:33 AM
in reply to: #1214118

Extreme Veteran
466
1001001001002525
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
bianchi San jose
comes with front and rear brakes, flippable rear hub for fixie to single speed and 700x32 tires like a cyclocross set up. Paid 450 for a left over 2007. Great fun bike
2008-02-15 10:59 AM
in reply to: #1214118

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
If you want the ultimate in cool fixie, dumpster dive a frame and build it up. Shouldn't cost much, will not be a draw to potential theives, and you'll be able to "ride it like you stole it".
2008-02-15 11:35 AM
in reply to: #1214118

Master
1728
100050010010025
portland, or
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
I agree with Brider, that finding an old bike and converting it can not only meet your needs, but be a very satisfying endeavor.

Having said that, check out the clearance items at fortbicycles.com

They used to sponsor my bike team, and while I don't have any of their bikes, many of my teammates do and have been very happy with them. Especially the track bikes.

scott
2008-02-15 12:28 PM
in reply to: #1214118

Master
3019
20001000
West Jordan, UT
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike

I always thought the Novara Transfer would be a schweet commuter bike:

http://www.rei.com/product/744802

 Not single speed, but it has an internal 7 speed sealed hub.  So you get single speed clean on the outside, but shifting if you need it.   Plus it comes with lights, rack and fenders. 

For my commuter bike, I bought an old used DIamondback rigid fork MTB for $50 and converted it.   I spent about $25 on city tires, $12 on friction shifters, $20 on fenders,  The bike came with a rack.  Friction shifters are great, cause you never have to worry about getting on your bike to go to work and having the shifting be a half gear off. 



Edited by tkbslc 2008-02-15 12:31 PM

2008-02-15 1:11 PM
in reply to: #1214118

Extreme Veteran
552
5002525
Minnetonka, MN
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
Where did you guys buy the crankset, chain and stuff to build one up yourself? The LBS, or someplace like Nashbar or PerformanceBIke?
2008-02-15 1:23 PM
in reply to: #1214118

Master
3019
20001000
West Jordan, UT
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike

I buy most of my misc parts online:

nashbar, performance bike, jensonusa, pricepoint., chucksbikes. 

Using misc parts from jensonusa and nashbar, you could build up a great 7/8 speed with MTB parts for dirt cheap.  use the friction shifters and you almost never have to tune it up.  If the salt kills your chain or cassette, hey you got them for $10-$15 bucks, big deal.   Single speed parts are still trendy and not cheap.  I found it was over $100 cheaper to build up an 8 speed than a single speed.   Plus, maybe I'm a wuss, but 10 miles is still a long way in one gear for me. 

 

 

 

2008-02-15 1:31 PM
in reply to: #1214701

Master
1728
100050010010025
portland, or
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
>>Where did you guys buy the crankset, chain and stuff to build one up yourself? The LBS, or someplace like Nashbar or PerformanceBIke?

I converted an old road bike of mine, a 1987 Univega (Miyata built frame).

I built the wheel myself. There's a bike shop near me that rents out space and tools, and they'll answer any questions. I bought the hub, spokes, rim, etc from them and built it there.

I bought a new stem from Harris Cyclery, and the chain and gears from a LBS. I swapped out the cranks, BB, and handlebars with stuff I had laying around.

Gave it a new look with a couple of cans of spray paint.

I use it for commuting back and forth to work, and during the winter I do nighttime "training" rides. I also like taking it out on bike paths for easy recovery rides; and running errands around town. I've also done a couple of charity rides up to 60 miles on it.

It's just a blast to ride.

scott
2008-02-15 2:47 PM
in reply to: #1214701

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike

Check out the Miche track group on Chuck's Bikes online store -- 165 or 170mm cranks, BB, hubs, cog, chain, and even pedals for $310.

My first fixie was my OLD road bike (as in 10-speed from the late 70's). I re-dished the back wheel, put a cog on there, a BB lockring (just happens to be the same threading as a freewheel), and pedaled away. Worked pretty well. When I had a track bike built, I had it done with brake accomodations. But I also built a SS rear wheel by taking an old MTB hub (threaded), redished and respaced it to fit with a good chainline, laced it to a road-worthy rim (so I also have 4 open spoke holes in the hub -- just try to get a 36 hole Mavic Open Pro in 650 size), and off I go.

If I were to build another one for commuting, though, I'd definitely go the junker route.

2008-02-15 2:57 PM
in reply to: #1214937

Extreme Veteran
1074
10002525
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
briderdt - 2008-02-15 2:47 PM

Check out the Miche track group on Chuck's Bikes online store -- 165 or 170mm cranks, BB, hubs, cog, chain, and even pedals for $310.

My first fixie was my OLD road bike (as in 10-speed from the late 70's). I re-dished the back wheel, put a cog on there, a BB lockring (just happens to be the same threading as a freewheel), and pedaled away. Worked pretty well. When I had a track bike built, I had it done with brake accomodations. But I also built a SS rear wheel by taking an old MTB hub (threaded), redished and respaced it to fit with a good chainline, laced it to a road-worthy rim (so I also have 4 open spoke holes in the hub -- just try to get a 36 hole Mavic Open Pro in 650 size), and off I go.

If I were to build another one for commuting, though, I'd definitely go the junker route.



Thing is, after you buy the track grouppo, wheels, frame, maybe saddle and bars, and by the time you pay a shop to build it/fix what you screwed up (if youre not a good wrench) youre looking at 500 or so. You can pick up a Bianchi Pista or any number of Fuji track bikes on ebay for >400 or so, watch the auctions. I dont know what Minneapolis is like, but here in Chicago, every day there must be 5 or so single speeds on Craigslist--most built up dumpster finds, college kids selling bikes--for 300 or less.



2008-02-15 3:05 PM
in reply to: #1214118

Veteran
246
10010025
western iowa, almost nebraska.
Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
web cyclery online has alot of single speed gear, cranks, chains, and such. The surly is a good single speed rig. You can pick them up for a song and a dance.
2008-02-15 3:09 PM
in reply to: #1214118

New user
16

Subject: RE: Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike
i'm gonna go with build your own. i love my fixed frankenbike. i converted a 1965 steel RIH into a sweet urban commuter, deep wheels, vintage campy cranks. i think building your own is half the fun. see if you cant buy most of your parts at our LBS, support the little guys.

quick edit: converting a road bike frame also solves your brake dilemma as drilling for brake lines is a pain.

Edited by S_O_S 2008-02-15 3:10 PM
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Good inexpensive fixed gear/single-speed commuter bike Rss Feed